Last November 8, AIU organized a kimono walking activity in Kakunodate for us international students. When we got to the small town, we were welcomed by beautiful autumn leaves. We were first given a quick tour to their shoe factories and museums.
Afterwards, we started changing into our kimonos with the help of some local Japanese women. I was so excited to try on a kimono because it was my first time. Of course our entire get-up would not be complete without our colorful socks and traditional Japanese slippers that made funny clucking sounds as we were walking.
Our first activity that day was the traditional tea ceremony. It never occured to me that this ceremony bears so much significance to the Japanese people. We kneeled on tatami mats the whole time which was quite uncomfortable because of the very tight cloth wrapped around our waists. For lunch, we ate at a small local restaurant. Again, it was quite hard to eat when something seems to be pushing your stomach inwards.
Kakunodate is renowned for its Samurai Village. We went inside the former homes of samurais during the afternoon. We also visited the Cherry Bark Craft Heritage Center. Here are the Japanese and international students who participated in the kimono walking activity.
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